WAFC Media Statement on UmpiringFriday, August 4, 2017 - 4:57 PM

The West Australian Football Commission wishes to clarify that steps being taken to review umpiring, as outlined in The West Australian newspaper on August 4, are part of a planned and pro-active approach stemming from recommendations in the Structural Review of Football, which highlights the importance of umpires to our game.

WAFC CEO Gavin Taylor said the umpire survey, engagement and consultancy work being undertaken would ensure there is a clear understanding of opportunities for improvement so that strategies to engage, retain and develop WA umpires at all levels can continue to be enhanced.

“We want to ensure that more than 2500 umpires who are critical to our game in WA are provided with the right support, coaching and and game day environments to undertake the important work they do,” Mr Taylor said.

“We don’t accept that there is an umpiring crisis or any cause for unnecessary concern. The work that has been undertaken is part of a process we are committed to and simply reflects the WAFC’s commitment to continually improve how we support umpiring.

“Providing enhanced support to umpires, football coaches, administrators and volunteers are all key objectives identified within the Structural Review of Football.

“Recent feedback from football participants identified umpiring, coaching and game day environments as the three most important aspects of their playing experience and we will continue to focus on these key areas of the game.

“The WAFL umpires do an excellent job in a high-pressure environment. On behalf of WA football, I’d like to acknowledge and thank them for the work they do and look forward to working with our umpires as we explore opportunities to enhance the important role they play to our industry.”